Hedge fund launches exceeded liquidations in 1Q 2018 for the third consecutive quarter, as both launches and liquidations fell through early 2018. An estimated 158 funds launched in 1Q18, down from 190 in 4Q 2017, the lowest quarterly new launch total since 153 funds were started in 4Q16, according to the latest HFR Market Microstructure Report, released today by HFR.<